March 10, 2022 – Josh Whitman, athletic director at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, recently released a letter addressed to the Illini fan base regarding the in-stadium atmosphere for the future.
Whitman began by saying, “At various games throughout this season, we witnessed troubling behavior from some of our fans that cast an unnecessary, ugly shadow on an otherwise memorable season.”
The letter recognized that the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Illinois recently launched its I Matter campaign in an effort to raise awareness around hostility towards staff and student-athletes.
“We cannot tolerate this,” Whitman continued.
“As the fall draws near, we will announce new policies related to good sportsmanship, including potential sanctions and loss of privileges for failure to conduct oneself in a manner that is befitting this university and fan base.”
Throughout the letter, Whitman appreciated the overall passion that Illini fans bring to every home and away game.
He stated that, “As a rule, make it hard, but don’t make it hurt.” To read the entire letter, click here.
